I prefer easy-to-make meals, so when I saw the recipe for PJ’s Loaded Baked Potato had the word “microwave” in it, I thought I would give it a try.

I actually discovered PJ’s Beef Steak through Twitter and they were kind enough to personally drop off samples – lots of samples. Since I had so many bags with different flavors of Original, Cracked Pepper, and Teriyaki – all made with gluten-free ingredients – I recruited a friend to help me taste test.

The samples from PJ’s

It’s a good thing I followed my instincts and bought extra potatoes. I undercooked my first two potatoes and, cooking novice that I am, had no idea that one was so badly undercooked until I sliced the potato vertically and it broke completely in half as it made a sad little “pffffft” sound and fell apart. Whoops.

Attempt number 3 went much better than the first two tries. The next potato was edible (much to the relief of my now very hungry taste tester). I split the potato and loaded it up with sour cream, shredded cheese, green onion and PJ’s Cracked Pepper Beef Steak Tenders.

My 3rd attempt at the Loaded Baked Potato

Now, I’m not the biggest fan of traditional beef jerky, but I was really surprised by PJ’s. It didn’t have the chewy leather taste that I expected. I tried a few pieces plain before the potato debacle began and I liked it. While I’m not one to munch on beef jerky, I would definitely use the beef steak in a recipe again. PJ’s isn’t your traditional jerky (the bag even says, “Please don’t call me jerky!”). They come in 2 different styles of tenders or slices. All of their varieties are 60 calories or less per serving and the beef actually tastes of the cracked pepper or teriyaki. It’s not just that coated on flavoring that leaves a bad taste in your mouth. You can tell these tenders and slices are different.

If you’re looking to test the recipe out yourself or if you just want to try a new gluten-free snack, PJ’s is running a “buy one, get one free” sale with reduced shipping costs now through August 24. From speaking with a team member at PJ’s, I could tell that they’re very excited about this special promotion and even more so about the opportunity to provide a gluten-free option for the community. They’re even coming to NFCA’s gluten-free fundraising event, Appetite for Awareness, in Philadelphia on September 23. You can learn more about the promotion at www.pjsbeefsteak.com/NFCA

Rinse and scrub potato, removing any bad spots and pat dry. Poke holes in the potato to vent steam. Wrap the potato in a wet paper towel (this helps keep the moisture in the potato and keeps it from shrinking) and put on a plate in the microwave for approx. 5-6 mins. (cooking times vary).

Remove potato from microwave and let rest for a few minutes to cool. Slice the top of the potato lengthwise and push ends together to open the potato slightly.

Fill potato with sour cream and cheddar cheese and sprinkle with green onions. Top potato with PJ’s All Natural Beef Steak and salt to taste.